Video: Ed Sheeran back at former Framlingham school for singing workshop

Evie White has Ed Sheeran sign her guitar during a workshop at Thomas Mills High School

Suffolk superstar Ed Sheeran delighted pupils at his old school by dropping in for a musical masterclass.

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The award-winning musician was back in Framlingham - the town where he grew up - to meet students at Thomas Mills High School.

Ed, who is set to release a follow-up to his 2011 album + this year, took a break from appearing at sold-out venues and working with the music world’s biggest names to return to the classroom where he once developed his talents, under the tutelage of teacher Richard Hanley.

Ed gave pupils feedback on compositions, ranging from a solo piano piece to a rap about Nesquik.

When questioned about his career, he said: “It’s the best job in the world.”

He also gave pupils advice about songwriting, live performances and busking. He told the lucky pupils that people write music as an expression of themselves.

Following the workshop, Ed said: “I really liked going back. I wanted to do it for a long time.

“They have all definitely got sparks.

“Nothing has changed. It brought back lots of memories.”

Hal Keys-Holloway, year 12 pupil, who performed a piece titled Fun and Games with Tom Peck said: “We’re going to try and write more songs.

“I feel like I want to go home and write something.

“I’m inspired to do something new. The advice Ed gave really helped.”

Tom, also in year 12 said: “It’s just awesome. Words can’t express it.”

Evie White, a year 11 pupil said: “It was really good advice to hear.”

Evie and Lucy Kirkun, also in year 11 performed, Taylor Swift’s All Too Well, for Ed to hear.

Lucy said: “It was really surreal to have someone you look up to give you advice on songs.”

Emile Burgoyne, a year 12 pupil who rapped about Nesquik in a performance titled a Typical Lovesong, said: “All I’m going to do when I get home is write.”

Mr Hanley, who still teaches music at the school and was delighted to be reunited with one of the school’s most famous pupils said: “He was very complimentary. He gave them really positive advice.

“We’re very lucky that he wants to give something back.

“We’re really grateful.”

Laura Scott, another music teacher at the school, said: “I think they were inspired to believe that they could be just like him.”

Mr Hanley said: “You have to pinch yourself.

“Ed’s won awards and he’s an international star.

“We’re very honoured that he took time out to spend some time here.”

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2 comments

Give it a rest! He seems like a decent sort of bloke, but he's hardly the great musician or singer that you seem to be hyping him up as. Certainly not someone who's really newsworthy.